Estimates suggest that approximately 22 percent of United States workers are directly impacted by occupational licensing regulation – a percentage that has grown from five percent in the 1950’s. Research has shown that such regulatory laws not only increase prices of services for consumers, but do little to improve public safety or job prospects for hardworking citizens that are in pursuit of the American dream.

“Through the utilization and examination of the database, CSOR will aim to enhance public awareness regarding the impact of occupational licensing and encourage more discussion and research on the topic,” said CSOR Director Edward Timmons. “By producing, updating, and maintaining a national database, we hope to inform citizens, policy makers, and other researchers of the extent, scope, and potential negative impacts of these often-debilitating laws.”

In addition to the creation of a national database, the Center will also organize educational panels at national research conferences across the nation, and prepare additional research reports for members of the academic community, policy makers, and citizens.

About The Center for the Study of Occupational Regulation

Established in June 2016, the Center will aim to enhance public awareness regarding the impact of occupational licensing and encourage more discussion and research on the topic. This national database of occupational regulation is freely available to the public by visiting
csorsfu.org.

The Center currently has three full time staff members as well as nine research fellows at the undergraduate and graduate level. Fellowships for the center are available for students who are interested in economics and public policy.

About the Charles Koch Foundation

Founded in 1980, the Charles Koch Foundation supports hundreds of universities and other non-profit organizations across the country exploring the institutions that foster societal well-being. Through its giving, the Foundation aims to advance an understanding of how free

societies improve the well-being of people around the world through educational initiatives in economics, philosophy, entrepreneurship, criminal justice, and other disciplines that have a direct impact on opportunities to thrive. For more information, visit charleskochfoundation.org.